Outsourcing and remote work have become buzzwords in today’s business landscape. The logistics industry is no exception, with more companies considering the potential of virtual assistance to streamline operations and cut costs. In a recent episode of the “Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast,” host Chris Harris, along with guests Andrew Jacoby and John Farquhar, discussed how virtual assistance could revolutionize logistics operations.

**The Case for Virtual Assistance in Logistics**

Andrew Jacoby, CEO of Good Shepherd Staffing, heads an offshore staffing firm geared towards providing virtual assistants (VAs) primarily from overseas. His company focuses on linking businesses with trained Filipino VAs, who often come from vocational schools where they complete unpaid internships before transitioning into paid roles.

Jacoby highlights that while certain tasks, like driving a truck, require a local presence, many back-end tasks are perfectly suited for remote completion. Administrative duties such as scheduling, dispatching, bookkeeping, and even customer service can be handled from anywhere in the world.

**Real-World Applications and Benefits**

Chris Harris brings forward a practical example already in motion: the use of dash cameras and electronic logging devices (ELDs) in trucks generates numerous alerts that require monitoring. A client of his has successfully offshored the task of managing these alerts, ensuring their safety department is only dealing with the most pressing issues by the time they arrive at work each morning. Such innovations free up local staff to focus on core activities that demand their physical presence.

Andrew Jacoby also shares his journey with his previous company, Growthera, a sales development outsourcing firm, where he began with one overseas assistant and scaled to over 84 VAs. His endeavor demonstrates that not only is such a model feasible, but it can grow into a comprehensive staffing strategy that benefits the company and its overseas collaborators.

**Addressing Skepticism**

The conversation also touches on the skepticism from some business owners who believe in the importance of seeing their employees face-to-face. John Farquhar creatively addresses this by noting the trucking industry’s long-standing reliance on remote work through drivers who spend days or weeks on the road. The key is to view remote and offshore workers as an extension of that trust.

Andrew Jacoby further reassures that remote work success depends on teaching staff to be effective in a virtual environment. The logistics industry can certainly enhance its bottom line through offshore staffing, provided companies remain patient and willing to educate their VAs about necessary processes and technologies.

**Taking the Plunge**

For logistics companies unsure about dipping their toes in outsourcing, Andrew recommends simply trying it out. His company offers a 30 to 60-hour free internship for clients to evaluate prospective virtual assistants. The low-risk approach allows a business to plan project-based trials, ensuring both the capability of the VA and the feasibility of the model.

**The Cost-Saving Edge**

Virtual assistance offers a compelling opportunity for logistics companies aiming to reduce costs while maintaining efficiency. Whether it involves after-hours dispatch or processing ELD alerts, the integration of offshore staff isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic move towards smarter resource management.

As the logistics industry continues to face economic pressures, embracing technology and remote working models like virtual assistance can be the key to staying competitive. Interested parties can learn more about how to leverage VAs in their operations by reaching out to Andrew Jacoby at Good Shepherd Staffing, whose contact information is available in the podcast’s show notes.

Good Sheppard Staffing Andrew Jocoby goodshepherdstaffing.com andrew@goodshepherdstaffing.com

John Farquhar National Risk Services Specialist, Transportation, Gallager GGB https://www.ajg.com/ca/ M: 437-341-0932 John_Farquhar@ajg.com

Chris Harris CEO, Safety Dawg Inc. 905 973 7056 Chris@SafetyDawg.com https://safetydawg.com/